Published: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 7:36 a.m.

Wilmington leaders are eying a 1.7-acre parcel of land for sale on the Cape Fear River.

The undeveloped land, at 606 Surry St., is next to the city’s Dram Tree Park at the corner of Surry and Castle streets under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.

Last week, Robert Gardner, who owns the land, contacted the city about the land being up for sale, according to an email to City Manager Sterling Cheatham from Belinda Jarrard, a property acquisition specialist.

“They are aware that the acquisition of this parcel is part of the city’s Vision 2020 plan and wanted to make sure we are aware that it is for sale,” Jarrard wrote. The property’s asking price is $650,000, according to the email.

The land is valued at $412,400, according to New Hanover County tax records. Gardner bought the land in August for $450,000, according to county records.

The Vision 2020 plan calls for the expansion of Dram Tree Park, including active, recreational spaces.

On Tuesday, Cheatham confirmed the city is considering buying the land.

“We’re just taking a look at the property to see whether or not it’s strategic to pursue it right now,” he said.

Price and functionality will heavily enter into that discussion. Because the city has no funds earmarked for the park, buying it would mean something else would likely have to get bumped, Cheatham said.

The property is pie-shaped, and the city would need to consider how it could tie-in with Dram Tree Park. Additionally, as the N.C. Department of Transportation slowly studies adding a crossing over the Cape Fear River, there is a lingering possibility an option could encroach on the land. “It could affect the whole park,” Cheatham said.

Though there are issues to consider, Cheatham called the possibility a “great opportunity” and said a larger park would benefit the downtown area.

“I think there’s a huge appetite in this community for park space,” he said.

In August, the city completed upgrades to the park, including the addition of parking spaces for cars and boat trailers. In 2010, renovations included a new boat ramp and kayak launch.

Though Cheatham said the expansions were a “shot in the arm,” he added, “a little bit larger park would make a lot more people happy.”

Though city officials will study the possibility, the city council would have the ultimate say on whether the city buys the land.

<p>Wilmington leaders are eying a 1.7-acre parcel of land for sale on the <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic91"><b>Cape Fear River</b></a>.</p><p>The undeveloped land, at 606 Surry St., is next to the city's Dram Tree Park at the corner of Surry and Castle streets under the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.</p><p>Last week, Robert Gardner, who owns the land, contacted the city about the land being up for sale, according to an email to City Manager <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/topic9940"><b>Sterling Cheatham</b></a> from Belinda Jarrard, a property acquisition specialist.</p><p>“They are aware that the acquisition of this parcel is part of the city's Vision 2020 plan and wanted to make sure we are aware that it is for sale,” Jarrard wrote. The property's asking price is $650,000, according to the email.</p><p>The land is valued at $412,400, according to New Hanover County tax records. Gardner bought the land in August for $450,000, according to county records.</p><p>The Vision 2020 plan calls for the expansion of Dram Tree Park, including active, recreational spaces.</p><p>On Tuesday, Cheatham confirmed the city is considering buying the land.</p><p>“We're just taking a look at the property to see whether or not it's strategic to pursue it right now,” he said.</p><p>Price and functionality will heavily enter into that discussion. Because the city has no funds earmarked for the park, buying it would mean something else would likely have to get bumped, Cheatham said.</p><p>The property is pie-shaped, and the city would need to consider how it could tie-in with Dram Tree Park. Additionally, as the N.C. Department of Transportation slowly studies adding a crossing over the Cape Fear River, there is a lingering possibility an option could encroach on the land. “It could affect the whole park,” Cheatham said.</p><p>Though there are issues to consider, Cheatham called the possibility a “great opportunity” and said a larger park would benefit the downtown area.</p><p>“I think there's a huge appetite in this community for park space,” he said.</p><p>In August, the city completed upgrades to the park, including the addition of parking spaces for cars and boat trailers. In 2010, renovations included a new boat ramp and kayak launch. </p><p>Though Cheatham said the expansions were a “shot in the arm,” he added, “a little bit larger park would make a lot more people happy.”</p><p>Though city officials will study the possibility, the city council would have the ultimate say on whether the city buys the land.</p><p>Julian March: 343-2099</p>